A VICAR renowned for standing defiant against the criminal underworld was shot and jeered at by a gang of thugs, a court heard yesterday.

The Rev Nerissa Jones, formerly in charge at St Chad's, in Wood End, Coventry, was confronted by an angry mob, who labelled her a "grass" and threatened to "burn her out" of her home.

But the plucky priest, a constant campaigner for law and order within her community, refused to back down, despite being shot in the shoulder with an air rifle.

Today John Dorian Raymond Gilmour, aged 31, a convicted burglar with a reputation for violence, was starting an 18-month prison sentence for his role in the ugly melee, which happened in June last year.

Passing sentence, Judge Marten Coates said that it was not the first time that the vicar had been a victim of crime because of her willingness to stand up to criminals.

Jailing Gilmour, the judge said: "It was a very serious incident. Fortunately her injuries were only minor. This court will support those people who work for the good of the community, particularly those who try to uphold law and order in difficult circumstances."

Coventry Crown Court heard that Gilmour was part of a gang outside shops in Hillmorton Road, Wood End, when Mrs Jones arrived on the scene.

Kevin Hegarty, prosecuting, said Gilmour, holding an air rifle, pointed the weapon at her while others in the group called her a grass and told her that she should leave Wood End.

But the vicar, who was visiting a shop, continued on her way. Leaving the store five minutes later, she heard two shots. One hit her in the left shoulder, leaving her in pain.

She saw Gilmour holding an air rifle, and said: "You shot me."

Mr Hegarty said that Gilmour replied: "So what."

Nigel Shepherd, in mitigation, said Gilmour denied firing the shot which hit Mrs Jones. But he was apologetic over his conduct and appreciated that it was unacceptable.

Gilmour, of Grafton Street, Stoke, admitted a charge of affray. He also pleaded guilty to another affray, resulting from an attack on a Coventry bus driver.

Just over a year ago, a bus was travelling along Far Gosford Street, when the driver sounded his horn to avoid a crash with a car.

Gilmour got out of the car with gold neck chains wrapped around his fist and challenged the driver. He then spat at him and shattered the driver's window.

Passengers told police they were terrified by Gilmour's attack. He was given a nine-month consecutive sentence, after admitting carrying out the violence.

* Mrs Jones left St Chad's in April for another appointment after a seven-year stint, during which she helped to secure a #50 million New Deal cash injection into the area.

She also established a number of community clubs for local youngsters.